[Diagnosis and therapy of tendovaginitis of the extensor carpi ulnaris (stenosis of the 6th extensor compartment)].

Stenosing tenosynovitis over the dorsum of the wrist in the sixth compartment is seldom mentioned in literature. We have collected 28 cases in a four-year period which demonstrate that the incidence is quite high. This condition should be considered in the differential diagnosis of pain over the dorso-ulnar aspect of the wrist. On examination firm, fusiform swelling in the sixth compartment was present. Pain was elicited by active ulnar deviation against resistance. All 28 patients had local infiltration with cortisone, but only 8 patients obtained complete relief. 18 of 20 patients had complete relief of their symptoms after surgical release of the sixth compartment. We conclude that stenosing tendovaginitis of extensor carpi ulnaris is a relatively common condition. Awareness of the syndrome allows accurate diagnosis and treatment.